Download a conference timetable here

Download a seminar timetable here

For all the programme information, click here

Here are the key times if you are arranging your travel ...

Early registration will start from 7pm on Tuesday 29th July at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead.

The conference starts on Tuesday 29th July at 7.30pm with an evening social event at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead.


Registration at The Sage Gateshead on Wednesday 30th July will be from 9am and the conference programme will begin with the first keynote speaker at 10am.

The conference programme will end at 4.30pm on Thursday 31st July and will be followed by a farewell drink until 5pm-ish.

Conference is now sold out - if you would like to be added to a waiting list, please e-mail anna@a-m-a.co.uk

We are committed to making the conference as accessible to as many people as possible. Annabel Busher can be contacted about any queries you may have. We will try our hardest to meet your access needs, whatever they may be, so please get in touch by e-mail, annabel@a-m-a.co.uk or phone 01223 578078.

Click the link to find out about the facilities at the The Sage Gateshead

There will be whole range of arts professionals at the conference with different levels of experience – those who are just starting out and those with many years' experience under their belts. The conference attracts a mix of delegates from a variety of arts and cultural organisations – not just arts marketers. Those working in audience development, education, press and PR plus front of house and chief executives attend too.

This year, in order to ensure that we meet your needs, we are bringing you a dedicated online booking service, managed by the NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau.

An excellent range of options are available to you, including 3- and 4-star hotel rooms and serviced apartments, all at competitive rates.

For further information and to book your accommodation click conference accommodation website.

Download directions to The Sage Gateshead from Jury's Inn and from Express by Holiday Inn; HERE

1. You will develop a deeper understanding of public behaviour and the arts i.e. why those arts-goers go where they go and why some people just don't 'do' arts.
2. You will learn from others through best practice case study presentations.
3.You will be inspired, stimulated and challenged by speakers from both the arts and commercial sectors.
4. You will be able to debate with peers from across the sector.
5. You will be able to develop practical skills relevant to your job in small group seminars.
6. You will discover innovative new products at the exhibition.
7. You will be able to share ideas, aspirations, problems and solutions with other people working in the arts.
8. You will get to know other arts professionals from across the UK and internationally.
9.You will get to meet the AMA team!
10. It'll be fun!

Neil says drink plenty of water throughout the day. He is amazed at how easy it is to get dehydrated at this sort of event.

Hannah says don't be afraid to ask if there is something that you are not sure about – AMA members are a friendly bunch and the staff are quite nice too – there should always be someone on the registration desk to help with your queries.

Katherine says name badges are the accessory for this summer – make sure you wear yours to aid networking.

Annabel advises against wearing new shoes. If you are planning on having conference shoes, make sure you start wearing them in now.

Helen says don't get talked into staying out really late on the Wednesday night unless you are good at concentrating with a hangover – (see Neil's tip above about drinking plenty of water).

Julie advises that you take a spare pair of shoes just in case you didn't sufficiently wear in your new conference shoes. (see Annabel's advise above)

Andrea says to all fellow first-time attenders: no matter what the problem is, a cup of tea solves everything.

Anna says: I'm a first-time attender too; please befriend me so that I look popular and important. I'm looking forward to all of the conference programme, and to realizing the top-secret plans we have made for two spectacular social events.